I'm tired of moving my bait tank around and have a bunch of wasted space in the bilge area...so a project is in order.

I purchased the tank from George (great tank) with the intent of replacing my seat in the center console, but it takes up the under seat storage and plus isn't nearly as comfortable as the cushioned seat. Here is the tank:



Its a perfect size for the striper fishing that I do so now I'm going after making it more useful. This is where its going:



I'm currently having a door made to fit over it. Then I'll re-work the plumbing and install the tank. It will get water from my onboard live well tank system(which is totally inadequate for keeping shad alive) and will empty out through the back of the boat.

Controls will be on the dash at the center console. Also, I'm putting in a second battery(also in the bilge area next to original battery) to run the bait tank and everything else on the boat except the engine starter(which will be the only thing on original battery) and the I-pilot(which has its own dedicated batteries). I'll put in a switch so that when the engine is running it will charge both batteries, the engine starting and accessory battery, simultaneously.

ANyone else do this project? Any tips or something I've forgotten?

I hope to have it ready in another three weeks in time to meet the big stripers on Ouachita.

yea it's getting to be that time to head to arkansas. i saw someone who did what you're doing, they posted pics of it but it has been a while...if i can find it i will pm you. i thought about doing it, but something about cutting holes in a boat makes me nervous. so i had a leaning post made to put my tank under, and i will use one of the extra insulated livewells as a cooler.

just spitballing here...have you strapped it in place and filled it up and driven the boat yet ? i have the same tank and did'nt like the extra weight in the rear. might give it a try before cutting ..just saying !

Thanks for that link swtbs81...made me feel better about taking this step. Its a bit unnerving to open that up, but after getting my custom lid/cover back, I'm not worried at all.

Its going to be a great utilization of space that otherwise is pretty much wasted. Finishing up the plumbing now and will be ready to roll soon.

What size boat and motor? Its in the middle so thats good. What size bait tank?

Depending on the depth of your bilge and how far down you plan to put the tank it may not drain 100% while in the water, it will only gravity drain to the waterline of your boat.

If it were me I would mount the cooler in the back and your tank where your cooler is. Going to the back of the boat to get bait is a pain

21 ft Bay Stealth, 135 hp, and 25 gallon tank. Equivalent to one average male standing in the rear, which is no problem.

The drain will be above the water line. I tried using it as the seat for the console but didn't like it that way. Also, I very quickly grew tired of taking it in and out...boat in slip and can't leave anything exposed or will be ripped off.

I'm only a part time bait angler, prefer/use artificials most of the time, and use the console seat for storage 100% of the time. If I can't take a couple of steps to the bait well...well then I probably shouldn't be out there anyway. Thanks.

Here's a shot of it installed...just have to put the cover on and she will be ready for some shad.

The finished product shown below...well almost finished...have ordered a flush mounted latch but not going to wait on it to go fishing cause the stripers are biting in Arkansas. You might notice the slight tilt rearward in the tank to enable complete draining. I'm excited to try it out.

Love it.

Nice Work!